China outbound travellers surpass 100 million

Growing acceptance of UnionPay cards boosts spending
China is asserting its dominance as the largest tourist source market in the world, logging a record number of outbound visitors for the third consecutive year.
The number of Chinese outbound tourists exceeded 100 million for the first time in 2014 to reach a staggering 107 million, 19.5% more than the year before, according to a 2015 report by the China Tourism Academy. Year-on-year growth of 16% or higher is expected for 2015.
Chinese outbound expenditure in 2014 also increased, totalling US$164.8 billion. The report also attributes the growing acceptance of UnionPay cards by overseas merchants, and thus the ease of access to finances for Chinese tourists, as a contributor to the outbound growth momentum and increased spending.
Favourite destinations for Chinese travellers include New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Australia and the US, among others, in terms of customer satisfaction levels based on demand for conveniences such as Chinese tourist handbooks, Chinese restaurants, TV programs in Chinese and UnionPay acceptance.TTG AsiaPhoto: Simon Paulin/imagebank.sweden.se